12dz Chapter 156 Buying a Yard
Chapter 156 Buying a Yard
The capital city is still the same capital city as before.
But this time when Xia arrived, everything felt different. Before, it seemed like she was coming to visit relatives, but now she had an excitement about settling down and living here. So, when Guo Yong took the transfer order to take up his post, she didn't sit idle. She immediately had someone find several reputable inns and started preparing a house.
She wanted a house where she could move in immediately, and it also needed to be close to the East Market and in a safe area. Her conditions were quite demanding.
But she had money, so the owners of those inns were happy to introduce her to more businesses.
After wandering around for several days, Xia was so tired that her legs were almost broken, but she still hadn't found a house she wanted, so she could only stay at an inn temporarily.
On this day, just as she entered the inn, she happened to meet a merchant family surnamed Bai who were preparing to leave the capital for the Western Regions. They said they wanted to rent out their house to prepare for their journey.
Xia listened intently, growing more and more fond of it as she listened.
The property is located on a street adjacent to the East Market. It is a three-courtyard house with a small garden extending from the southwest corner. It was renovated last year. Originally, we didn't plan to sell it, but we unexpectedly landed a big deal in the Western Regions and had to go there to take care of it. That's why we decided to sell it.
Xia was overjoyed; this was like a dream come true! She immediately went forward to meet the owner and speak with him.
"My esteemed guest, I come from Qingzhou and am also looking for a place to stay for my family. I've been searching for several days without finding anything suitable. But after listening to your story, I think your house is quite appropriate. Could you show me around?"
How could the innkeeper let the buyer and seller see things for themselves? So the owner immediately stood up and interjected with a smile.
"Madam Guo, you're being too hasty. We haven't even had a chance to see the house yet. Why don't you wait a couple of days, and I'll take you there once it's vacated?"
"No need, no need, there's no time like the present, let's do it today," Xia really didn't want to look anymore, but she understood her boss's concerns, so she compromised and said, "How about this, boss, come with us. If I find something I like, I'll give you the full amount of your payment, and the contract will be processed through your shop, how about that?"
With this safeguard in place, the boss finally smiled broadly.
"Alright, Madam Guo is a woman of action, shall we make the trip?"
The Bai family was happy to make a move quickly, so the three parties went to the courtyard together.
Xia looked at the house inside and out, and the more she looked, the more satisfied she became. She liked the location, the size, and the style after the renovation. This would save her a lot of trouble. Thinking that she could be reunited with her children soon, she couldn't wait to take over the house.
"Let's not beat around the bush. I really like this house, Patriarch Bai. We're both from merchant backgrounds, and we both know that this opportunity won't wait for anyone. It's normal that you're in a hurry to sell this house and get cash, and it's normal that people are trying to lower the price. I'm in a hurry to buy a courtyard house, and it's normal that people are trying to raise the price. How about we just be frank and discuss a price that we can both accept, so we don't have to waste our breath going back and forth?"
Xia spoke frankly, and the Bai family felt the same way.
"Alright, if you're so straightforward, I'll be too. Originally, I was going to add some renovation costs before selling the house, but since we've come this far, I won't haggle over those. Thirty-five thousand taels, if you agree, how about we sign the contract right away?"
Thirty-five thousand taels was more expensive than Xia had expected, but the advantage was that nothing needed to be prepared and the house could be moved into immediately, so she nodded in agreement.
The innkeeper had never done business so smoothly before, so he smiled and invited the two into the inn. They finished the contract and everything else in one afternoon.
He signed and sealed the document, and then paid a deposit of one thousand taels.
The rest will be transferred to the money exchange once Xia gets the key to the courtyard, with the owner as a witness; there shouldn't be any problem with that.
"We'll be able to clear out the courtyard in three days. We'll meet at the gate at the same time."
"Alright, let's wait for news from Patriarch Bai."
With this important matter settled, Xia felt relieved. She returned to the inn, freshened up, and then began to think about what to add to it.
We'll bring the everyday items from Qingzhou, and we won't need to move any large pieces of furniture. After thinking it over, I think it's best to get some flowers, plants, and trees. A new home means a new look, and it will be a great way for the children to see a bright and cheerful scene as soon as they arrive, just like their future lives!
They can get things done quickly and efficiently in the capital, as long as there's enough money.
So when Guo Yong returned to the inn and heard what Xia Shi said, he was in a great mood!
"What a coincidence, I also have something to tell you."
"What's the matter?"
“A few days ago, the old lady of the Vice Minister’s family passed away, and I heard that the son of one of the concubines in the back courtyard also passed away. This is good news for my nephew! No matter what, he is still the only son of the Chi family. I think when my parents come, we should find a way to bring my nephew back from his hometown. This way, we can get closer to him, which will be beneficial to us in the future.”
The Guo family was unaware that Chi Guiying and her brother had died, so they were still daydreaming. Xia Shi also thought her husband's idea was excellent, so she mentioned it.
“Since we’ve come to the capital, Xiao’an will also be studying. Why don’t we ask my brother-in-law to put in a good word for us so that he and my nephew can study under the same teacher? That way, we’ll have more opportunities to interact, and the relationship between the cousins will be better.”
"That's a good idea. Okay, once everything's set up at home, we can mention it when my brother-in-law comes over for a visit. It shouldn't be a problem!"
The couple were still immersed in their wonderful fantasies about the future, completely unaware that behind the sweet fruit often lay some bloody bones.
The message was sent to Qingzhou with utmost urgency. As soon as the people there received confirmation, they quickly made arrangements. Therefore, Old Master Guo resigned and Guo Ju went north from home, and everything was settled perfectly in May.
When the lotus flowers were in full bloom, the Guo family gathered in the capital.
In the garden of the East Palace.
At this moment, Chi Guiwan, who was heavily pregnant, was enjoying refreshing ice cream with Crown Princess He Lingyi. However, He Lingyi did not allow her to drink too much, so she only prepared a little bit.
Even so, it still satisfied Chi Guiwan's craving.
She exclaimed with immense joy, "It's so much more comfortable here with you. My sister-in-law and the nannies are keeping a close eye on me now. They won't even let me drink a sip of cold water in this sweltering heat. Ugh, it's so tough!"
"Alright, what you're saying, elder sister, doesn't make sense. Madam Qiao is just trying to help you."
"I know, so I'll behave myself, right? Hehe, I only dare to be a little unruly here. When we get back, I'll just continue drinking warm water."
He Lingyi was delighted to see her acting so cute and charming.
Just by looking at the rosy glow on her cheeks, you can tell how good her pregnancy looks.